Translation guide
Indigo is a deep blue color with historical and cultural significance in Japan. The most common Japanese word is 藍色 (あいいろ), but the single character 藍 (あい) is also used, especially in traditional contexts. This guide covers how to refer to the color, the dye, and related cultural terms.
To describe something as indigo in color.
The standard word for the color indigo. Used in everyday contexts.
彼女は藍色のドレスを着ていた。
She was wearing an indigo dress.
Often used as a standalone noun for the color, especially in traditional or artistic contexts. Can also refer to the indigo plant or dye.
この藍の色合いが美しい。
This shade of indigo is beautiful.
Loanword from English, used in fashion or design contexts, or when referring to the color in a modern, international sense.
インディゴブルーのジーンズが好きです。
I like indigo blue jeans.
To talk about indigo as a dye or the process of indigo dyeing.
Refers to indigo dyeing or indigo-dyed goods. A traditional Japanese craft.
藍染めの暖簾がかかっている。
An indigo-dyed shop curtain is hanging.
Can refer to the indigo plant (Persicaria tinctoria) or the dye itself.
藍の葉から染料を作る。
Make dye from indigo leaves.
To refer to specific traditional shades of indigo in Japanese culture.
General indigo, but in traditional contexts it may refer to a specific shade.
伝統的な藍色は深みがある。
Traditional indigo has depth.
A light indigo shade, often used in traditional Japanese color names.
Navy blue, often considered a darker shade of indigo. Very common in everyday use.
藍 (あい) can refer to the plant, the dye, or the color, while 藍色 (あいいろ) specifically means the color. In modern casual speech, 藍色 is more common for the color, but 藍 is often used in traditional or artistic contexts.
A light indigo kimono looks cool in summer.
紺色のスーツを着て面接に行った。
I wore a navy blue suit to the interview.